Monday, January 31, 2011

Weekly Menu

I'm trying to grill more and eat healthy, so there really isn't that many exciting recipes! Mostly grilled meats with veggies and salad.

Monday- Chicken and Rice, broccoli, corn
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 can cream of mushroom or chicken (we prefer mushroom)
1 envelope Italian dressing
2 cups boiling water
2 1/2 pounds chicken
9x13 pan- spread out rice in the bottom, mix soup, dressing and water-stir into rice. layer chicken on top. Salt and pepper. Cook 1 hour at 350 covered and an additional 20 minutes uncovered.

Tuesday- Fajitas and all the fixings

Wednesday-Taco Soup - going to be cold out so it will perfect weather for soup

Thursday- Chicken Stroganoff in Crock Pot
6 chicken breasts
16 oz. sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom
1 envelope Lipton Onion soup mix

Mix chicken and soups together and put into crock pot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is tender. Stir in sour cream when finished. Serve over cooked noodles or rice.
I'm using noodles.

Friday- Tacos or taco salad

Saturday- out to eat

Sunday- Super Bowl!!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Thankful Thursday

This week I am especially thankful for:

enjoying MLK Holiday with my favorite three people!! We had so much fun going to the movie and out to eat!

my dad is doing well and I am really enjoying spending time with him!

my wonderful husband. I know I say this almost weekly, but he is such a blessing to me! He listens to me, advices me when needed, but I love that some times he'll just listen to me vent and let me be upset... although he does like to fix any situation for me that he can. :)

all that God is teaching me. He has opened my eyes to so many truths lately. I'm thankful for it and pray I will continue to grow closer to Him daily.

my small group! They are such a great group to get together with and laugh together and study God's Word.

teaching opportunities I have had with the kids. I've been able to share some concerns with Ashlyn and Reece and we've moved in a positive directions.

good choices that Ashlyn has made.

that my observation went well at school!

for my seat warmer and steering wheel warmer. It is so cold outside!

eating healthier and getting exercise time in most days this week.

being able to coach a great group of kids for UIL Oral Reading!! GO SFA!!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Incredible Read

I read this book about a week ago and it is incredible. It is very eye opening and gets you to thinking! I know for me it made a huge impact!!






"Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter." quote from Frances Chan

Think about that statement for a while. Isn't that the truth? Through God's Word and other reading my eyes have really been opened to what am I spending my time on? Is it on things that really matter and will last for eternity?


"We need to stop giving people excuses not to believe in God. You've probably heard the expression 'I believe in God, just not organized religion'. I don't think people would say that if the church truly lived like we are called to live." quote from Frances Chan

Sadly, I've been the person sitting in the pews not always living out what God called us to live. I am determined to change that this year! Like I stated in my previous blog entry I want 2011 to be different. We all get so comfortable with living our everyday lives that we forget what is important-what really matters! And strangely enough when you try to live this out, some Christians even look at you like you're crazy. Sad.

A couple of other things that stood out to me:

"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives."

"Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control.
Both worry and stress reek of arrogance. They declare our tendency to forget we've been forgiven, that our lives here are brief, that we are headed to a place where we won't be lonely, afraid, or hurt ever again, and that in the context of God's strength, our problems are small indeed." Quote from Frances Chan

Wow.

The whole book is fantastic! Read it. Beware though. It will challenge you! May we all be up to the challenge to live out God's purpose for our life!

Monday, January 17, 2011

I want more!

I want more in 2011!! I don't mean more stuff, but more intentional living. I love setting goals, but even more than that- achieving them!! I was reminded a few weeks ago in my reading that if you don't set a goal, you actually have by default- Your goal is to stay the same. Who wants to stay the same? Not me! I know God has big plans in store for my family and I and I don't want to miss it! Things I want more of this year:

Pray More

Give More

Serve More

Be kinder

Listen More

Love More

Laugh More

Forgive More

Live More

How to achieve these things? Well, I need to look around me and see where I can join in where God is working. What has He placed around me that I can jump in and be a part of? The best place for me to start practicing this list is in my own home with my precious gifts God has given me and then go from there.

John 10:10 I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

I want to live the abundant life. I want more! More of what God has in store for me and more impact on others' lives for God. He gave it all for me. Can't I do the same?

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Mind Games

It happens so quickly. We lose who we are by being caught up in things around us and losing sight of truth. How quickly we can let others and circumstances mold us instead of being molded by God. We can let our minds be filled with untruths. I've been in a battle the past few weeks and really struggling with different emotions. I've spent a lot of time in prayer and reading scripture. God has reminded me of several key truths. One main scripture is

Romans 12:2 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I've known this scripture for many years, but it has so much more meaning to me now.


Proverbs 3:5-7 (New International Version, ©2010)

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight

Another scripture I have known, but one I am relying on. Trust in the Lord with all my heart!! Not just part of it. Don't lean on my understanding or others, but lean completely in Him. He will make my paths straight. For the first time in a long time, I am completely relying on God to lead me.

I have decided 2011 will not be the same as 2010. Last year had some great moments, but also some regrets that I will not repeat. I am determined to grow closer to God, know Him better, and serve where He wants me to. I know God has great things in store for my family and me.